Keep reading to learn more about these not-so-new feminine products and to get some helpful tips from gynecologist Erin Higgins, MD. The first patent for a menstrual cup design was awarded in and the prototype was pretty much a rubber sack that was attached to a ring. This early version was meant to be inserted into the vagina to collect blood.
The menstrual cup could then be pulled out by a cord that was attached to it. One of the first commercial menstrual cups was developed in by Leona Chalmers. As a result, the menstrual cup category as a whole faded into the background until the late 80s. Today, more and more women are using menstrual cups. Most menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber. Some cups are designed for long-term use — even years — providing significant cost savings over tampons and pads.
Keep in mind that some cups are designed to be disposable. Make sure you read the label carefully before buying if you want a reusable one. Vaginal pH and beneficial bacteria also stay in place. You need to change tampons every four to eight hours, depending on flow. This means you can use a cup for overnight protection. You should always remove your menstrual cup by the hour mark. Reusable menstrual cups should be washed and wiped clean before being reinserted into your vagina.
Your cup should be emptied at least twice a day. Reusable menstrual cups are durable and can last for 6 months to 10 years with proper care. Throw away disposable cups after removal. Menstrual cups may be an affordable and environmentally friendly option, but you still need to keep a few things in mind:.
Menstrual cups are more cost-effective than tampons and pads. For many women, using a menstrual cup is a no-brainer. Before you make the switch, make sure you know what you need in a feminine hygiene product:. If you answered yes to these questions, then the menstrual cup is right for you. With so many options available, it can be tough to know where to start.
Learn more about selecting a menstrual cup and how to determine which one's…. At the end of your period, wash and dry it well, then store it in a clean, dry place. Need to make an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online. Close X. Back to Living Better Living Better newsletter. Zip Code. Should you try a menstrual cup? What is a menstrual cup?
Gupta tells SELF. Ross says. The cup is designed to open up inside your vagina and painlessly suction to your vaginal walls, which keeps it in place. It should sit below your cervix , the narrow neck-like passage below the uterus that blood flows through to get to your vagina.
As long as your period cup is in correctly, it should feel pretty comfortable, Dr. Minkin tells SELF. Your cup should come with its own set of instructions. Ross: After washing your hands, you can insert a period cup while sitting, standing, or squatting. To do that, you fold the cup in half and, with your legs spread, guide it rim-first into your vagina. Once the stem is about half an inch from the opening of your vagina, rotate the cup so it can open all the way up and lock into place.
This primer at Put a Cup In It has a few ideas to get you started. That leads us to our next question. Try sizing up to see if that fixes the problem. You might also have an issue with leaking if you have really heavy periods. In this case, Dr. A lot of it is going to be personal preference, but people choose menstrual cups for a few main reasons.
0コメント